If you are considering a work relocation opportunity this year, you are far from alone. The U.S. State Department estimates that approximately 9 million Americans currently reside abroad, with many relocating for career growth, education, or lifestyle changes. And even within the United States,  relocations are on the rise, according to the US Census Bureau. Its data found that nearly 20% of movers in 2022 relocated to a different state, an increase from 18.8% in 2021.

And while a relocation can be exciting, it can also be stressful. To give transferees greater clarity about their move, companies create detailed relocation policies that outline what you can expect in terms of financial compensation, relocation services, who is responsible for what and how the move procedures will work.

What is relocation policy counseling?

With upwards of 100 potential services that can be part of a relocation, the complexity of a policy can be daunting. Good news for transferees and assignees – employers recognize that, and typically include policy counseling as a standard part of the relocation policy. Your CapRelo relocation counselor’s job is to provide insight and guidance on the relocation benefit package that has been authorized on your behalf.

The value of policy counseling

For transferees/assignees, policy counseling from a trusted relocation management company is critical to setting you up for a successful relocation. The goal is to minimize misunderstandings and surprises, and ensure that you fully understand the benefits and assistance available throughout the relocation. In addition, our relocation counselors are your personal resource to address any uncertainties about the move, answer questions and reduce any move-related anxiety.

How does policy counseling work?

There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to CapRelo’s policy counseling. It can look different depending on each employee’s needs and situation. In general, though, we usually start with a get-acquainted phone or Teams call. This is a high-level introduction to each other, what you can expect from your relocation consultant, and what you can expect from your policy counseling sessions.

Occasionally, our client organizations will have their HR team sit in on this initial conversation. Most often, however, these counseling meetings will be between you and your relocation management consultant. Some employees prefer that their spouse/partner by the main point of contact through a relocation, in which case, they are included in the policy counseling as well.

Depending on what is going on with your relocation, we may have several calls and emails along the way, starting from before you accept the position, to after you have settled into the new location. Our focus is on providing whatever guidance or clarification you need.

Questions to ask about your relocation

If you are considering an assignment or transfer opportunity, what questions should you ask your employer? Here are a few I would suggest.

• How does the relocation affect my taxes?
• What will be my out-of-pocket responsibility for the relocation?
• Will I be allowed time to facilitate my household goods move, and be present for pack/load?
• Will accommodations be made for any special circumstances I may have (such as special needs children or elderly parents living with the transferee)?

Rely on the relocation policy experts

Policy counseling is all about helping transferees navigate the complexities of their relocation by providing clarity, support and guidance which leads to a more positive and successful relocation experience. It’s a role we at CapRelo take seriously – and one have decades of experience doing for transferees around the world. Find out for yourself why we have a 96% transferee satisfaction rating.